I had my first taste of berry picking fulfillment this past weekend with a few friends. As usual, it was a berry stained dress of a blast. Getting to farms and carrying home pounds of berries is problematic without a car (or ambition to drive), so I am thrilled when it happens. Carpe diem! Carpe bacca!

There are more sensible places to bike or bus to for free blackberries, though they’re not in season yet. We were at Sauvie Island for the varieties of strawberries, including the last of the precious Hoods, blueberries, and a few raspberries.

The first farm we went to, Bella Organics, had some sweet little Hoods left, but their larger Seascapes weren’t at all flavorful. The second farm we hit, Sauvie Island Farms, offered more bounty and entertainment: we got to ride through the fields on a tractor, pick berries, and pick our own cabbages! I was very content being lost in thought in their blueberry trees for some time.

The next day, I made a strawberry and chocolate swirl cream pie to celebrate the national holiday, friends, berries, and pie.

Strawberry and Chocolate Swirl Cream Pie:

Both layers were sweetened minimally with dark agave and thickened with soft tofu, cornstarch and soaked cashews. The chocolate layer was also made with 70% dark chocolate and some strawberries and just a few blueberries, to deepen the flavor. A strawberry layer was poured down first, and then the mass of chocolate filling, and more strawberry swirled in. It was baked for 35 minutes at 350F and firmed in the fridge.

Special thanks to the Vita-Mix for pureeing magic, as usual. I made a point to make this up as I went along, so no recipe. It had a teeny amount of that ‘tofu pie’ thing going on, but not enough to piss me off. The pretty swirl distracted me. Next time I make it I’ll add a bit more agave and berries, and who the hell knows, maybe take it cheesecake style.

I saw little kids elsewhere, but no sign of baby eyes here.

Highlight of the week.

Time to pick the berries.

Bella’s check out.

Blackberries weren’t what anyone would call ‘ready’ yet, which is extra sad, because I think they’re my favorite berry of the past 20 months. See you guys in a few weeks!

That might just be the prettiest pie I’ve ever seen. What stunning colors and the swirls are so clear. Beautiful!

Hearing in KSA it is barren and bleak, and all the produce is shipped in from overseas and covered with tons of pesticides, most of which are not even legal in most parts of the world. Seeing pictures of such bright and healthy looking crops and berries that you can pick yourself…well, let’s just say I’m on the verge of tears with jealousy. You are SO lucky. I’m glad that you shared these amazing pictures with us, thank you so much!